Psychiatry Investig.  2016 Jul;13(4):383-388. 10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.383.

Effects of Early Childhood Peer Relationships on Adolescent Mental Health: A 6- to 8-Year Follow-Up Study in South Korea

• Shin KM
• Cho SM
• Shin YM
• Park KS

• KMID: 2344735
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.383

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Peer relationships are one of the important factors in children's development. The present study examines the relationship between the effects of early peer relationships and adolescent psychological adjustment.
METHODS
The first survey took place from 1998 to 2000, and a follow-up assessment obtained data in 2006, as the original participants reached 13-15 years of age. The first assessment used the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) and simple questions about peer relationships to evaluate the participants. The follow-up assessment administered the Korean Youth Self Report (K-YSR).
RESULTS
Children's peer relationships have longitudinal effects on mental health and adjustment. Children who had qualitative peer-relation problems were more likely to exhibit internalizing problems as adolescents.
CONCLUSION
Children who have poor peer relationships might become more vulnerable to emotional problems and social adjustment as adolescents.

Keyword

Child peer relationship; Adolescent adjustment; Longitudinal study; K-CBCL; K-YSR

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Checklist
Child
Child Behavior
Emotional Adjustment
Follow-Up Studies*
Humans
Korea*
Longitudinal Studies
Mental Health*
Self Report
Social Adjustment